VStops: A Thinking Strategy and Visual Representation Approach in Mathematical Word Problem Solving toward Enhancing STEM Literacy

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the impact of strategic thinking and visual representation approaches (VStops) on the achievement, conceptual knowledge, metacognitive awareness, awareness of problem-solving strategies, and student attitudes toward mathematical word problem solving among primary school students. The experimental group (N=96) received the VStops approach in teaching and learning of mathematical word problem solving, while the control group (N=97) received the conventional approach. Five instruments were used to collect the data: the achievement test, conceptual knowledge test, metacognitive awareness questionnaire, problem-solving strategies awareness questionnaire, and attitudes toward mathematical word problem-solving questionnaire. Pre and posttest data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) followed by univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA). Overall, the study found that the VStops approach had a positive impact on achievement, conceptual knowledge, metacognitive awareness, awareness of problem-solving strategies, and student attitudes toward mathematical word problem solving.